Chapter 3: Poem

Jasmine, your story is interesting...

But it doesn't feel real. It's like a mirrored fake, you know what I mean?

I-I'm sorry...

Miss Jasmine, I love your poems. But I don't get it. How can there be no sadness in the real world?

Sorry...

So, you are Jasmine, the writer who's famous for romantic stories? I've read your latest work... Quite unrealistic, hahaha!

Sorry... I'm really... sorry...

It seems I can't do it...

Hello, Jasmine? You've finally picked up! I'm from the dev team of the online game Dream Park. Would you write a story for our game?

Really?

Yes, I do!

I'll write the best story for you!!

I will create the most beautiful utopia...

Why... How could this happen...

All of this is not real. It's just my dream... I made everything up in my mind. It's all but fake...

So, does everyone... really enjoy it here?

Are they really happy?

Jasmine!

Jasmine, look! It's the Pirate Ship!! Let's board before everyone else does.

Okay.

Yeah, everything will be fine! At least for today, everything goes smoothly!

Wow, the ship is swinging! This is how the ocean makes you feel!

Do you remember the quest, Nina? You must reach the bow to find the key item - the nautical chart!

I do remember. But it could be hard to actually find it. Haha.

The swing ride was fun! It felt like flying. So fast and so far away...

Everything alright, Nina? You seem bothered. Are you... not enjoying it here?

I think... I'm feeling... seasick... bleugh!

Hahaha, I didn't expect the Great Barbarian Charlemagne to get seasick.

That's only my screen name. By the way, what made you decide to write for this game? Wasn't you a poet and novelist?

Perhaps I just wanted to see my dream in action.

Jasmine...

Why does she look so lonely now...

Yawn... That was awesome! I'm tired, though. Is it still not evening yet?

Huh? It seems my watch is not working!

Did it stop?

The second and minute hands are running, but the hour hand hasn't moved at all.

Let's go home then. There's still work to do tomorrow.

Really? All right, I'd like to stay a bit longer but I guess I'd better finish my homework.

Hello! This part is fun... But what should I say... We have to live in reality, don't we?

Hello! This part is fun... But what should I say... We have to live in reality, don't we?

But isn't this great? Without salary, homework, or sadness. Just stay in the park forever...

That would be too great to be true. I don't get it. How can there be no sadness in the real world?

Don't you ever feel sad in your own world?

Hey, please stop...

Instead of calling this world romantic, maybe unrealistic is a better word. Ha!

So... it still doesn't work?

Unrealistic? Isn't the amusement park great? Don't you enjoy it yourself?!

A game is a game. And a dream is a dream. After all, everything is just your fantasy. It's fake!

What did you say...?

It's all fake! Your dream, your love, the so-called happiness you brought to others, and your hypocritical friendship, everything is fake!

Fake? It's all... fake...

Enough!

You naive girl. Only those who detached from reality will believe that!

I said enough!!

Rawwwwwwl (monster howling)

The pirate ship and the nautical chart, the unstopping swing ride, the carefree park. All of them are but a lie!

Nobody ever liked the stuff you wrote. No one cared about your designs. And that "friend" of yours? She's here to destroy you!

That's no true! Jasmine, don't listen to the Nightmare!

Fake... Nobody liked... Nina... Destroy...

Jasmine! Listen to me! Jasmine!!!

Ahhhhhhh!

Damn it! I didn't realize it in time. The Nightmare has collapsed the host!

Nina, are you alright?

Saya, Victoria, and Leader...

Please help me...

Please! Save my friend!

I want her to know how much I love her story. And how happy I was when I received her invitation.

No matter it's the dream or reality, the world she created is a place that everybody loves and longs for.

Of course, we'll do that, you dork.

Go get them, Nina! We are all here to help you!

I knew you would help me!!

Jasmine...

Jasmine, wake up!! The sun has set, and the amusement park...

It's the closing time!!

What happened? I don't remember anything...

Jasmine, please meet my friends! We've spent a WONDERFUL day at your amusement park!

Eh? Seriously?

Of course!

Hm?

That's right! Everyone was happy when they left. Those heartfelt smiles couldn't be faked!

Nina...

I don't why... my tears... I can't stop them...

It feels like I've done something horrible... A monster... I-I didn't want to hurt anyone...

No worries, nobody got hurt. And once we are back to reality, everybody will forget about it like they had a dream.

Like a dream...?

But we all remember! It's an unforgettable day for me!

That's right. It's getting dark, it's time to wake up...

The clumsy kindness of the birds melted the ice in my heart.

It seemed I became stubborn without knowing it. No matter in dreams or reality... Spiritual satisfaction is the most important, after all.

My stories and the world I look forward to... They definitely mean something! Thanks to everyone, I understand now.

You got it, Jasmine. Well then, ${playername}, I guess our task here is done.

Muscipula... How dare you meddle with my business!!

Damn it. It looks like I have to employ the other plan.

But that will be fun, isn't it?

What kind of dream will it be next time?

Fufufu... Hehehe... Bwahahaha!!

Thank you again, everyone! From today on, I'm counting on your guidance!

Huh? Does that mean...?

That's right. I've heard all about it. So I'd like to have Jasmine join Muscipula.

Having the most romantic novelist on our team? I can't wait. What do you think, Leader?

Well, that's great!

Hey, I knew you were the best!

May I write about our encounter in my new story?

Am I going to be the protagonist in your new novel? That's dope! But may I have a tiny request? Can you please make me 170cm tall in the book?

That's a very unique perspective...

By the way, that's the first quest we accomplished after Leader restored his health. Shall we celebrate?

True that! I'll bake a "Best Assist" themed cake!

To be honest, I'm surprised that Nina had the best performance this time!

*clears throat* Attention, please! Question 1: When was such a huge amusement park built?

Question 2: It's such a good game. Why haven't we seen any ads or promotional campaigns?

Hey, you! Stop talking like me!!

Haha, I was really surprised to hear Nina say something like that.

But I guess there must be a reason. Why don't we make an interview right now?

I don't think so... I'm also curious about the answers to those questions!

The game developer even didn't let me know! And I'm the Super VIP! That's unforgivable!

A good reason for a 10 out of 10.

Jasmine may lose it again if she learns the truth...

Hey, what do you mean? Are you mocking me again? Leader, Saya, get back here!